ITV Stop Pulling For The Boat Race
Classic Oxford/Cambridge Battle Needing Broadcaster For 2010Citing their investment in a “fantastic football portfolio,” ITV have made it clear they will not be renewing their contract to broadcast the annual Oxford and Cambridge boat race along the Thames after the 2009 event.
The five year deal meant the boat race left the BBC in 2003, and since then the run of the river has been with Oxford, winning three of the last four races. The obvious destination for the race in 2010 is back on the BBC, but the corporation ‘never discuss rights.’
The race itself has a sponsor, but this is in part due to the visibility of the race on terrestrial television. Without this the value to any partner will be reduced, and could potentially force the race, first run in 1829, into making some hard commercial decisions.
(Hat tip to the BBC)
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